It's Eastern China's most sacred mountain—Tai Shan, on the outskirts of Shandong's Jinan. Once reserved for emperial sacrifices to Heaven, you'll only have to sacrifice energy to make the climb. Though only 5,000 feet high, the ascent is steep and taxing, with 6,293 steps on the path up the mountain. Many take a minibus to the halfway point, but you'll want to walk the whole way. The climb to the summit leads past Taoist shrines, stone steles, waterfalls, and a summit temple which looms high above a pine forest.

Spend the night at the small guesthouse next to the summit temple and rise early for China's best sunrise, when the sun rises like a flaming red ball through a sea of clouds.

Trip Facts
Difficulty rating: Hardcore
When to go: Year-round